Ausmus spent three years as a special assistant to Byrnes. He did some coaching with the Padres catchers in spring training and instructional league, but for the most part, his focus was behind the scenes, the realm of scouting and development.

“It was the first opportunity I had to see the front-office side of baseball,” said Ausmus. “I’ve always seen the clubhouse side, the players’ side, but also the coaching and managerial side that I saw for two decades. But I wasn’t privy to their conversations, their discussions about players.”

“It helps because when I’m talking to Dave Dombrowski, I have an understanding of where he’s coming from, the logic behind what he’s saying. I definitely took that away from that role with the Padres.”

He had to give up something, though, if not totally. In between the L.A. and San Diego series, Ausmus said he hoped to go surfing for the first time in months.

“If there’s any way,” he said. “It’s cathartic, being on a board. Relaxing.”